UNIVERSITY PARK, PA-- In an effort to diffuse a racially stressed environment, the Penn State administration hosted an anti-hate rally. Tensions have mounted in recent weeks with reports of racism prominently displayed in The Daily Collegian. The event planned for community members to gather and celebrate the values of tolerance and kindness. However, planners did not anticipate the large amount of hatred present.

              “We thought everyone would smile on their brothers, get together, and try to love one another. But it didn’t quite work out that way” said Jacob Erskine, one of the event coordinators. Instead, the crowd quickly turned on their hosts and began to display their hatred towards the administration and others who did not immediately cater to their demands. “We came here with the intent of peacefully gathering, then we decided we should use this chance to get all that shit we wanted” said Rod Smart. (senior – English)

              Many students were angered that their peaceful rally had changed so quickly. Bradley Potter (junior - marketing) said, “I came here to show no one should have to accept intolerance. But now I just want to punch someone in the face, I’m feeling quite intolerant.” Edgar Heller (sophomore – finance) agreed, “This truly shows that peaceful discourse and thought are not the answers.”

              This type of hatred has not been seen at Penn State since an event hosted by the College Democrats entitled “Peace In America.” This event ended in much the same way, with angered Democrats protesting the existence of the Republican Party.

              President Graham Spanier attended the rally but only briefly, as he was verbally attacked upon his arrival. Attempts to address the crowd were muted by chants and screams, as the crowd expected more than legally proper procedures from the administrator.

              After Spanier’s departure, the once-peaceful-but-now-pissed-off protesters made their way to the HUB to spread their feelings of discontent. Armed with donated food and sleeping bags, the disgruntled students settled in for a long battle against something.

              Students who had often frequented the HUB were now surprised to find people sleeping in it. Customers at the Union Street eateries dwindled as the combination of fast food and no available showers for the crowd drove many away.

              Currently there is no word on whether a counterprotest is in the works.